08' check gauge issue.

[TheTexasBandit]

I have a 08 Dodge ram 1500 with a 3.7 V6 and I keep getting check gauge light on my dash. I had my alternator short out on me about a week ago causing my voltage gauge to stop working. I bought a use one off of a 05' 5.7 V8 took it to AutoZone, O'Riley's, and NAPA, and it passed at all 3 placed multiple times. I checked the battery and the battery was no go so I replaced that. Apond replacing the battery, the voltage gauge works but the check gauge still comes on, and my voltage gauge is close to the low voltage mark. What else should I look into to fix this issue?

 

[TheTexasBandit]

*UPDATE*
So I narrowed it down to the PCM. And I've heard that when buying a new PCM, it has to be programmed based on the VIN. Does this mean I just can't go out to a junk yard pick up a PCM for the motor my ram has and use it on my truck?

 

[Fishstickz]

*UPDATE*
So I narrowed it down to the PCM. And I've heard that when buying a new PCM, it has to be programmed based on the VIN. Does this mean I just can't go out to a junk yard pick up a PCM for the motor my ram has and use it on my truck?

I don't believe your truck will crank with a PCM not programmed for your VIN. You'd have to send it to someone to get it programmed as far as I know (Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

Maybe even a ram dealer would be able to do that, I'm not sure. It varies dealer-to-dealer about what the techs can do, what they're willing to do, and how much they'll charge you to do something

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

Any shop with a decent programmer should be able to do it, they’ll charge an hour’s fee but it’s not too bad.

 

[TheTexasBandit]

I don't believe your truck will crank with a PCM not programmed for your VIN. You'd have to send it to someone to get it programmed as far as I know (Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

Maybe even a ram dealer would be able to do that, I'm not sure. It varies dealer-to-dealer about what the techs can do, what they're willing to do, and how much they'll charge you to do something

Any shop with a decent programmer should be able to do it, they’ll charge an hour’s fee but it’s not too bad.

Thanks! I found out that i can install a external voltage regulator and bypass the PCM and so that is what I did, and it does well on my 08' only thing i have to deal with is the check gage light stays on due to there is no signal of voltage going to the voltage regulator on the PCM